According to the release, the Medical University of South Carolina measured the amount of bacteria on the previous touch surfaces prior to the copper retrofit and will compare the amount of bacteria on the new copper surfaces against their predecessors, with results scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2012.

"When we learned about copper''s proven antimicrobial properties, we were anxious to be the first Ronald McDonald House to test the touch surfaces. I hope our results will help spur a public health trend toward the use of antimicrobial copper materials," said Barbara Bond, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Charleston.

"It has been an honor to work with the copper manufacturers and installers who donated time and materials in helping us to make our facility even safer for our guests and their children," Bond added.